Digital platforms are increasingly used by people and enterprises, for various objectives. They facilitate e-commerce, online and mobile payments, online labour and cloud work as well as social interaction.
As highlighted in UNCTAD's Information Economy Report 2017, the reliance on platforms is one of the main characteristics of the evolving digital economy.
For platforms that succeed in this new world, winner-take-all effects can be huge and the rewards massive. Indeed, the world's top four firms by market capitalization are all benefiting from huge network effects.
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What does this new economy mean for development?
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How will people and enterprises in developing countries, including the least developed countries, be affected?
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What are the main opportunities and pitfalls, and how should policy makers adapt?
These questions will be in focus in this High-Level Dialogue on the Development Dimension of Digital Platforms. It will feature an interactive discussion with thought leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector and academia.
Moderator: Ms. Catherine Fiankan-Bokonga, Correspondent at the United Nations in Geneva, Vice-President of the Swiss Press Club
Panelists:
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Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, UNCTAD
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Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of World Trade Organization
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Ms. Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner, TLcom Capital, and former Nigerian Minister of ICT
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Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMART.com
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Dr. Nick Srnicek, Lecturer in Digital Economy in the Department of Digital Humanities, Kings College, London
